2018 EICMA updates

The EICMA Motor Show in Milan (scheduled from November 8-11,2018), considered as the Mecca for motorcycling fans ended recently. Enthusiasts flocked from all over the world to see the latest and greatest from two-wheeler manufacturers across the world. Here are some of the glimpses from leading manufacturers :

Kawasaki

Kawasaki has unveiled the naked version of the Ninja 400 at EICMA 2018 in Milan. Christened the Z400, it ditches the Ninja’s fairing and clip-ons for a naked styling and more upright rider’s triangle. Like all Kawasaki Z models, the Z400 also follows the bikemaker’s animalistic Sugomi styling. It is built on the Ninja’s tubular steel trellis frame and employs the same engine as the Ninja: a 399cc parallel twin making 45PS of max power. If launched in India, the Z400 will come with 49PS of peak power and 38Nm of max torque.

Kawasaki has also pulled the wraps off its 600cc supersport monster, the ZX-6R, at EICMA 2018. Though it is a midlife refresh, the changes are significant. The fairing is new along with the tail piece. It now also gets LED headlamps along with a new windscreen and a new instrument cluster. It is powered by the same 636cc inline-four as before but now makes 1.3PS less in order to adhere to Euro V emission norms. The 6-speed gearbox now gets a quickshifter. Traction control has also been added to the features list. It will be launched in India next year.

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad kicked-off the 2018 EICMA Motor Show with the world premiere of 6 new motorcycles. The ones grabbing the headlines was the 2019 BMW S1000RR, the BMW R 1250 GS and the BMW F 850 GS Adventure. Starting with its scooter range, BMW also unveiled the GT version of its C400 max-scooter.

The 2019 BMW S1000RR has now officially made its debut. Gone is the asymmetrical headlamp design, which is now replaced with a more conventional look. Power has been bumped to 207PS while the torque of 113Nm remains unchanged. The bike also comes with new riding modes - rain, road, dynamic, race and a pro mode, which itself comes with three additional configuration modes - Race Pro 1-3.

Triumph Motorcycles

Triumph has showcased the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 twins at the show. It comes in two variants: base XC and the top-of-the-line XE version, which is a lot more offroad-centric than the former. Triumph also took the wraps off the two special-edition motorcycles based on the Bonneville T120 - the T120 Diamond and T120 Ace, both limited to 900 and 1400 units respectively.

Triumph has also showcased its 2019 Modern Classics lineup at the 2018 EICMA. The range now includes two new variants called the Bonneville T120 Ace Edition and T120 Diamond Edition. An ode to the original Triumph Bonneville which was launched way back in 1959, the Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition gets a new paint job, a Union Jack livery and chromed out engine covers and panels. Only 900 units of the Diamond edition will be made available worldwide.

Ducati

Ducati has showcased its entire 2019 range at EICMA 2018. In the event, the Italian bikemaker showcased the 2019 Scrambler range, the Monster and the Multistrada 1260 Enduro -- all motorcycles that we’ve seen before. The exciting part was the unveil of the all-new Ducati Multistrada 950S, the 2019 Ducati Hypermotard, 2019 Ducati Diavel and the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Panigale V4 R, a 221PS missile which is now the second-most-powerful production bike after the Kawasaki Ninja H2.

Yamaha

Yamaha has showcased its entire 2019 range of motorcycles at the EICMA 2018 show. These vehicles include Tenere 700, R-125, YZF-R3. Carrying the flagship R1’s design, the R3 now looks a lot more compact than the previous-gen model, thanks to the relatively smaller and slimmer LED headlights and smooth lines on the fairing.

KTM

KTM has unveiled the 790 Adventure production-spec bike at this year’s EICMA motorshow. Aesthetically, it is quite similar to the concept that was showcased last year. It features inverted LED headlamps and taillamps and an all-digital instrument cluster. It also comes with a quick-shifter and other rider aids include, ABS, off-road ABS and traction control. The engine is the same 799cc parallel twin as the standard 790 Duke which makes 105PS of max power and 86Nm of peak torque. India launch will depend on the response garnered by the 390 Adventure and the 790 Duke.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield has taken the wraps off a concept-only motorcycle, this is the Concept KX. Inspired by the 1938 Royal Enfield KX, the Concept features old-school bobber design - along with a V-twin 838cc engine.

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp showcased only concepts at EICMA 2018, but all of these are based on the upcoming XPulse 200ADV and at least one of them will make it production based on an online competition. The concepts shown were the 200T, 200T Scrambler, 200T Desert, 200T Flat Track and the 200T Cafe Racer.

Honda

All the Honda CB500 motorcycles - the CB500F, CBR500R And CB500X - have been given multiple updates for the new model year. This includes a retune for the 471cc parallel-twin engine, new mechanicals and of course, updated look. The CBR650 naked and faired bikes receive sharper styling, lose weight for better performance, come equipped with a new all-digital console and a sportier riding posture.

The Aprilia RS660 Concept previews a middleweight faired-motorcycle aimed at those looking for an upgrade to the big leagues, but are not looking for a track machine. Piaggio also showcased the updated versions of Aprilia RSV4 (bump in power) and Aprilia Tuono V4 (semi-active suspension) and the all-new Vespa Elettrica all-electric scooter.

MV Agusta has revealed its all-new Superveloce 800 concept at the ongoing EICMA Motorcycle Show, which gives a glimpse of the upcoming middleweight motorcycle that will arrive globally in the second half of 2019. The MV Agusta Superveloce 800 uses the F3 800 supersport as its base and builds a unique offering that pays homage to the Italian brand's racing heritage.

Kymco

Taiwan-based motorcycle manufacturer Kymco created positive headlines at EICMA by revealing an all-electric superbike. Called the SuperNEX it has a claimed 0-100kmph time of under 3 seconds with a top speed of 249kmph!

Benelli

Benelli had a booth full of motorcycles at EICMA, Italian pride on full show. Benelli surprised us with the neat looking Leoncino 800, previewing the big brother of the Leoncino 500. It looks like an all-new model, with only some parts shared with the Benelli 752S. The much anticipated Benelli TRK 250 adventure tourer has finally made its public debut at the ongoing EICMA show, in Milan, Italy. The new quarter-litre adventure tourer from the Italian two-wheeler maker was revealed alongside the Leoncino 250.

KYM

Taiwan-based KYM has showcased three brand new scooters at EICMA including a range-topping Maxsym TL maxi-scooter powered by a twin-cylinder 465cc engine.